ID :
125591
Wed, 06/02/2010 - 12:18
Auther :

Scientists investigate saiga antelopes’ mass mortality

Almaty, June 02, 2010 (Khabar) - A group of scientists from Almaty set out to the West Kazakhstan region to study the site of saiga antelopes’ mass mortality. After analyzing samples of water and vegetation, experts will be able to define the cause of mass mortality of these animals. Pasteurellosis is the official reason of the tragedy for the time being. However, scientists do not hurry into drawing conclusions.

Bekbolat Kasabekov, expert in animals:
- It’s early to make any conclusions. The official cause is pasteurellosis simply because these strains were found. However, it’s not the final one.

Group of scientists will be taking samples of water and plants in hopes of revealing the true cause of the animals’ mass mortality within the course of the next week.

Albert Salemgareyev, ornithologist:
- The possibility of this incident having an impact on other animals, for example, small rodents and birds must be checked. Animal carcasses might remain unutilized somewhere and scavengers are eating them. Any result provides some information.

The Russian “Kapustin Yar” rocket launch and development site is located only 90 kilometres away from the scene and scientists don’t rule out the possibility that a regular test might have affected the incident. The final conclusion will be made in 10 days.

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